Ladakh: Painting Ladakh’s picture in a single stroke is not feasible, it needs turn of phrase and more of it. The first word you will utter as you inhale the fresh lungful of air in Ladakh will be ‘incredible indeed’. It is the freshest breath that you can experience in India. The blue sky that pledges utmost lucidity, warm sunshine untouched by smog and clear water, wherever you see it, is what atleast I witnessed in Ladakh.

Remember to take a day off when you reach this cold dessert as acclimatization is indispensable here. My other days were filled with memories unlimited.

There was an array of trekking opportunities lined up for me with terrains that are enough to thrill with a mere thought of them. One of the most memorable ones were Darcha Lamayuru trek, the frozen river trek at Zanskar area, Indus valley trek and Ladakh monastery trek. As far as my observation about this mountain dessert goes, mountain biking is another significant attraction here. Get hold of a motor bike, a group of like-minded people, and you are bound to experience breathtaking vast moors along your entire route.

I had my spine almost tickled as I set out on a camel safari, a tourist favorite among the locals here, with camels taking you around the place for days together but beware of those goose bumps!

I drenched myself in mystical charm with Buddhist monasteries that Ladakh houses, Buddhism being the main religion here. I visited monasteries like Rizong Monastery, Phyang Monastery, known for sacred dances during its Ph-Yang Tsedup festival, and more. Moreover, do not forget to visit the Shanti Stupa at Leh to regain your peace of mind.

One cannot afford to miss the Pangong Tso or Pangong lake. A part of this lake is shared by China and the water is clear blue and tastes like seawater, i.e. salty, surprising isn’t it? And if you are lucky, you might find some garnets lying besides the lake. People say that there was a garnet hill on the banks of this lake. The breathtaking mountains at the lake with shades of brown, green and blue will be with you in your memories for time immemorial.

My shopping bags overflowed with antiques, ornamental stones and souvenirs as Ladakh grabs a prominent spot among shoppers from around the globe with Lamu and Stanzin being my favorite shops.

I had a lot on my palette to choose from to satisfy my taste buds. The cuisine served here evolves from various continents but my favorite spot at Leh was the German Bakery. An amalgamation of cultures under one roof makes it a must visit while in Leh. Try masala chai and salads served in small bowls, the best options to calm down those unexpected hunger pangs. I even got a chance to tap a foot or two at discotheques in Leh.

There is picturesque charm, the weather is delightful, food served is a gastronomic delight, its history will enchant you and the entire feel will be imbibed into your memory forever and that is the beauty of Ladakh.

By: calgaryindians staff correspondent Anjali Singh Deswal